Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Best Cricut Cartridge for Cardmakers of 2010

This is probably one of the toughest ones for me to choose. Before the fall releases, this category was sewn up by the Just Because Cards cartridge, but now, it's not so clear. Let's take a look:

Here are the contenders for the category of Best Cricut Cartridge of 2010 for Cardmakers :

1) Cricut Just Because Cards Cartridge:I love this cartridge! Sure, it's got some quirks to it (which is why I made some videos to help you - see HERE!). But, the variety of the images and matching word art and envelopes make it one of the easiest cartridges for cardmakers to use.

2) Cricut Birthday Bash Cartridge: At first glance, this cartridge appears to be a bit more geared towards birthday layouts and party planning. But, there is a whole key of cards on here and there are some fabulous shaped ones! I made a number of cards with this cartridge and by mixing it up a bit, you'd never guess they came from such a cutesy cartridge. See below for a brief sampling.

4) Cricut Paper Lace Cartridge: This cartridge is perfect for cardmakers. The icons and word art cut wonderfully at smaller sizes and the lacy backgrounds are perfect for any cards you might want to make. I love the "will and grace" word art and there is also a font on this cartridge.

5) Ornamental Iron Cricut Cartridge:Two fonts on this cartridge and these gorgeous iron backgrounds make this a nice cartridge for cardmakers who need some stunning backgrounds. Also, the different iron pieces can be broken out to make additional accents.

Let's hear a drum roll, please.....the winner of the Best Cricut Cartridge for Cardmakers is the......

I notice I went through a faux stitching period here with these cards...

OK, this was hard to choose because frankly, I think you need all of these cartridges! Seriously! Notice, I haven't recommended all of my choices in any other post (yet...) but these here I am quite partial to.

I ended up choosing the Just Because Cards cartridge because of the image versatility. But, if I had to go on card shapes alone, I would choose Birthday Bash. If I wanted elegant backgrounds and word art, I would go with Ornamental Iron and Paper Lace. Elegant Christmas cards....Seasonal Christmas card cartridge. So, see, you really need them all...

I love the Birthday Bash cart. It's whimsical aspects keep it fun and useful for all ages. I don't have your number one choice, but it will be making it on my list of To Buy!!! Thanks for these great posts!

I really like the "Just Because", which I do not have in my cartridge collection. One that I do have and love for my cards is "Celebrate with Flourish".Thank you for your opinions in the different catagories, this is so helpful.

I think Lacy Labels should have been considered as well. It has a variety of 'labels' that you can put your own sentiment on and attach to a card. I use this a lot for quick cards when I don't have time to do a bunch of piece-work.

I use Just Because Cards a lot! Paper Lace and Ornamental Iron are on my wish list, although I hadn't realized they were so good for cards. And now I think Birthday Bash will be added to the list as well!

Okay, all of them have been on my wish list or I wonder if would use that one list...I received the just for cards cart for Christmas and although I haven't had a chance to play with it much yet..I love it..and I love all your cards you showed us here...I really have been thinking about birthday bash whether I would us it enough..and you have convinced me I would...I think they are all on my list now...

You're b-a-a-d. Just when I was set to make a New Year's resolution that I wouldn't buy one more cartridge, you come up with this list. The only one of these I own is the Just Because Cards. Oh, well, I never have been successful with resolutions anyway.

Thank you for sharing all year long and bringing samples of what can be done with the cartridges. I have two favorites - Ornamental Iron because of the beautiful swirls and curls, and Birthday Bash - the three Christmas cards you showed with it are adorable! I'd love to pick up the Ornamental Iron one soon.Blessings, Donnagrandma4five

This is a great list! I am just happy I have most of these so I don't have to run out and buy more! LOL! Thanks for sharing the card pics... they are all so beautiful. :)Lorihttp://got2bcrafting.blogspot.com/got2bcrafting at gmail dotcom

Wow...great list...I 2 love Bday Bash and have 'em all except for ornamental iron...but hv others that are very ornate...good choices and I agree I (we) need 'em all.....it's fun 2 used more than 1 cartridge too in designing....love it when U gies do this 2.

Thanks for all the advice and reviews! I don't have an Expression, so I don't think the card shapes would help me that much, whereas the Just Because just seems SO versatile. You're awesome, thanks so much.

I choose Just Because Cards. It really has some great cards and I love sending not your ordinary card just because I am thinking of someone! I do think that I will have to the ornamental cartridge though ... just because I might need it.

I don't have any of these carts, but I would have to choose Just Because! It is so cute, I do love the fancy carts as well, because sometimes, it's nice to have the fancier cuts!

I think you made an excellent choice my friend!!! Crafty Hugs into the New Year, and I look forward to seeing what fantastic projects you have in store for us!!! You are such a JOY ;) to the community of crafters!

Wow, wow, wow. So many good choices. I love the Just Because cards. Cute images and envelopes too. Can you cut the envelopes with the small Cricut machine?I also like the Paper Lace cart. The fonts are wonderful.The cards you made with the Just Because Cards cart are darling. I especially love the card with the ewe on it. Good job.

Joy, I have all of these carts, and love them all along with several others as well. I think Just Because Cards was the most versatile for card shapes and matching envelopes until Christmas Cards (Seasonal Cart) came out. I really love the card shapes it has to offer. As far as the elements that I like to use on my cards, it really varies depending on what type of card I am making. This is where I really like to mix it up. I also like to add demension with spellbinder dies that not only have shape, but also embosses. With all the fabulous carts that came out this year I couldn't possibly name a favorite. Between the intrduction of Lite Carts, Imagine Carts, Cake Carts, & the Gypsy, the possibilities are endless. Provo Craft has just out done themselves in 2010. My only hope, is that in 2011 they figure out a way to allow us to cut half an image at a time we could make home decor projects much larger. I also hope they work on the communication problems between our Gypsies and our Imagines. Marcie

THanks Joy this is awesome, thanks for all you do to share with we cricut lovers. I too love JBC, it is such a quick cart to turn out a great card, and wow does it pop with the imagine. However, I had not even considered OI and PL, just didnt think they were my type, might have to change my mind.

Just Because cards is at the top of my want list but I was glad to hear your thoughts on all these orher cartridges. The fact that you use so many cartridges for more projects that their first intended use is something I really enjoy about your posts. You make us think outside the box.

Well I have to agree with you Joy about you should have them all..... they are all great for different things... I own all of them except for the Ornamental Iron one.... Not sure that is for me... but I LOVE the choices... :o)

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Unless otherwise stated within the post, this is my original work. Please feel free to use as inspiration for your own personal use, but do not use for publication, contest/message board entries, or to sell. If my work inspires a work of your own, please give credit by posting a link to my blog. Thank you!

Joy

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